DALLAS, TX.- Louis Vuitton's traditional monogram coated canvas steamer trunk received a bold reimagining when Virgil Abloh created a version of the classic design for the luxury giant's Spring/Summer 2021 collection. Splashed with color and inspired by graffiti, the limited edition trunk stands as one of the trailblazing fashion designer's most recognizable pieces. And, with only a handful in existence, the trunk is also one of Abloh's most sought-after creations.
On May 1, during its Spring Luxury Accessories Signature event,
Heritage Auctions will offer bidders the rare opportunity to own a Louis Vuitton SS21 Virgil Abloh Malle Courrier Lozine 110 Steamer Trunk (estimate: $80,000-$100,000) a first for the auction house.
"This extremely limited edition trunk is the perfect embodiment of Abloh's visionary creativity and seamlessly merges the sophisticated craftsmanship of Louis Vuitton with Abloh's legendary street-culture, high-fashion aesthetic," says Diane D'Amato, Heritage Auctions' Director of Luxury Accessories, Private Sales & The Boutique. "These trunks were made to order and act as an incredible window into the designer's genius."
The spring auction features several other pieces by Abloh as well, including a Louis Vuitton SS19 Virgil Abloh Absolute Black Malle Courrier Lozine 110 Steamer Trunk (estimate: $14,000-$18,000) and a Louis Vuitton x Virgil Abloh x Nigo Striped Monogram Coated Canvas LV2 Collection Tiger Box (estimate: $3,000-$4,000).
"Virgil Abloh's sudden death last year at the age of 41 stunned the fashion world," D'Amato says, "but his awe-inspiring designs serve as lasting reminders of his extraordinary life and legacy."
Also available in the spring auction are the first offerings from The Exceptional Collection: Gilded and Full of Color a curated assemblage of sought-after handbags and accessories from a private European collector. Highlights include a selection of rare Chanel exotics no longer in production, such as an exquisite Indigo Blue Crocodile Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag (estimate: $15,000-$22,000) and an eye-catching Electric Blue Alligator Mini Classic Flap Bag (estimate: $8,000-$10,000).
The collection also offers a fantastic array of Hermès bags, including a 35cm Blue Nuit Togo & Vibrato Leather Birkin (estimate: $12,000-$15,000), and a vibrant assortment of Chanel Gripoix jewels, such as a vintage Pink & Purple Gripoix, Pearl and Crystal Burst Pendant Necklace (estimate: $6,000-$8,000), featuring a gorgeous multicolored pendant and a delicate hanging drop pearl.
Other top lots include a desirable assortment of limited edition, runway and special-order Hermès and Chanel bags:
Hermès Ring Lizard Kelly Pochette Bag (estimate: $30,000-$50,000)
Hermès 25cm Vert Anis Niloticus Lizard Birkin Bag (estimate: $26,000-$34,000)
Hermès 28cm Vert Vertigo Ostrich Kelly Bag (estimate: $20,000-$24,000)
Hermès Limited Edition 35cm Au Bout Du Monde Bolide 1923 Bag (estimate: $12,000-$16,000)
Hermès Bleu de Prusse Swift Leather & Osier Wicker Panier Peche Bag with Gri Gri Mouche Feather Charm (estimate: $8,000-$10,000)
Chanel Runway Black Plexiglass Perfume No. 5 Bottle Bag (estimate: $6,000-$8,000)
Chanel Runway Clear Plexiglass Perfume No. 5 Bottle Bag (estimate: $6,000-$8,000)